Vodacom Remotely Locked my Phone

Even though I'm on a Vodacom contract, Vodacom remotely locked my phone, with the message "Your smartphone has been locked due to the outstanding amount on your bill. Visit any Voadacom store or bank to make payment." I weren't aware of an outstanding amount, since the payment is suppose to go off with a debit order. I phoned customer care and the told me what happened and said that if we paid the amount, that the phone will be unlocked immediately. I did the payment and is now 9 days later and the phone is STILL locked. I can't see my messages, do my banking, use my authentication app, get my photos off, or do anything.

I called customer service (135 and 1946) multiple times since last week Wednesday, each +-45 minutes long wait. Each time I got a different response with no solution. The last time I called, I was told to go to a store, which I did, only to be told that they can do nothing, and I need to contact customer service. I did so and another 2 hours on the phone to say that they will escalate it to the back office and I must wait 24-48 hours for the phone to be unlocked. I still don't know what is going on, since it still hasn't been resolved. I have no phone, no way to let people know I can't contact them, nothing.

Vodacom seems to just not care - customer service (which there is non of) is just appalling!